What I have tried is the Stradivari Professional from La Pavoni Espresso Machine Company. This is absolutely the best home espresso machine with modish and trendy looks. With a lot of practice, I can already come up with a great espresso in ease and comfort. This machine provides the right level of control upon using with no pump needed.

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Lever Lever Lever, that is the certainly the way to go, having been a convert for a while now and experiencing many different machines, from gaggia to silvia and up to two group la cimbalis, I can honestly say that the only time I felt connected to the process was when I was pulling the shot on a lever. I concur with many comments on here, Having now bitten the bullet and invested proper money on a BOSCO I now get the true espresso experience EVERYTIME I step up to my machine.

The la pavoni, is pretty much entry level lever technology, which it is imperitive to have a grinder to grind the beans fine enough, it takes same time to perfect but once mastered can produce a lovely shot of coffee. Moving up from the Pavoni is the Ponte Vecchio Lusso, My lusso produced great shots, if sometimes a little inconsistent and has a fabulous steam wand that will steam all day the boiler is three litres so no need to refil during the day based on the shots that you are going to pull. If you have the money the jump up to a commercial sprung group is worth the money, It is worthwhile giving Reiss at LONDINIUM a call (I bought my bosco from him) he is sooooooooo helpful and has really developed a top notchmachine in the L1, it basically has the same group as the BOSCO but much smaller footprint and the option to be tank fed, I have seen it in the flesh and it is Pretty. It is both stable (temperature wise) at the group, is relatively simple to use and produce fabulous steam to boot.

Take the plunge and get truely connected to your coffee, Levers WHAT IS THERE NOT TO LOVE!!!!!!!

There are too many options aren't there. Everyone has the machine for their own tastes and dreams of another. In my case I also started out with a Sylvia. and Rocky. Never really mastered the temp surfing think. Upgraded to a Giotto, which I still have. With a E61 temperature gauge it became a bit less of an art. Still it is complex with a pump, control box and electronics that do need repair from time to time. Heat and water are not kind to electronics. So I then bought a used Cremina built in 1976. Heard about the learning curve with a lever machine but I can tell you that I never had as good a cup as with the Cremina. And consistently! I do have a naked portafilter yet find the pour so much easier than a pump machine. You are in full control. I have never had a sour or bitter espresso since. Only issue is that as a steamer it does not have the capacity of the Giotto. I have a much easier time getting good microfoam with the Giotto. Of course I usually just prepare 2 or maybe 3 drinks at a time and cannot imagine serving a group with the Cremina. I don't think it was made for that. More of a personal Espresso masterpiece.

In addition it is small , easily fits on the counter and my wife doesn't mind it in the kitchen. The Giotto is in the basement since it takes up too much counter space.

Would I like a GS/3? Of course , who wouldn't? Would I get better shots? I don't believe so.

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